Our ambition was to create a multi-purpose space that can be enjoyed by the whole community.
The initial work needed to make this a reality was the removal of the pews (replaced by chairs) and remedial work to ‘make good’ the floor. 

 

This was followed by an upgrade to the existing kitchen and toilet facilities. A further enhancement would be to upgrade the entrance area with glass doors and panels, improve the floor and storage. Followed by a new audio-visual and lighting system.

The project is divided into 3 phases supported by a volunteer team split into several working groups comprising, Buildings, Fundraising, Grants, and Communications. 

 

Phase 1

 

saw the replacement of the pews with chairs and making good the floor, in order to get the Village Hall ‘open’.  The committee raised sufficient funds to complete this phase, which is down to a combination of generous donations from the villagers, fundraising & grants, and much welcomed support from The Lions, Denby Ladies, and Denby Conservation Group. Phase 1 is now completed.

 

The building is listed and owned by the Church of England.  In order to gain approval for the planned Village Hall, numerous parties have been consulted; including The Church, the villagers, and the Victorian Society which resulted in the architect’s specification being approved.

 

Our grateful thanks go to the Conservation Group for donating the proceeds of the 2019 Denby Dash to the Village Hall Fund, which was £1,000. It was a truly great day and we raised a further £410 in raffle and tea towel sales! We wish to extend our thanks to everyone involved for their support.

 

Phase 2 

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The second phase of the project was to modernize the interior, in order to attract regular bookings for the Village Hall.

 

A new kitchen has been installed, featuring an electric oven, induction hob, and dishwasher. The Shaker-style kitchen units in Dove Grey whilst clean and fresh, blend well with the rest of the church’s interior. The oak-effect laminate worktops offer ample worktop space to prepare hot drinks and food, and the 10 soft close cupboards and drawers provide ample storage.  A separate hand wash sink, wipe-clean marble-effect backsplash, and additional spotlights ensure the kitchen is clean, safe, and hygienic. 

 

The area that used to be the kitchen now houses additional toilets. The anti-slip flooring leads to a disabled toilet with baby change facilities, and two further w/c’s. Each self-contained unit is heated and has its own basin and hand drier. 

Already we are seeing the benefit for the local community as the Hall is regularly booked for fitness and meditation groups, mothers and toddlers, parties and recitals as well as market stall events. Dean of The George provides bar facilities as required to help along with events.

 

Phase 3

 

Is split into 2 parts. 

The first part is to work on the entrance to provide a light modern feel to the area. There will be improved cupboard storage space in the entrance vestibule and new arched glass doors to the entrance of the greeting area, some glass paneling and glass doors at the entrance to the nave, plus work to improve the existing stone floor.

 

We have raised most of the money to start this phase through grants from various bodies including the Lottery Fund. Further funding is required and is being sought through grants, events, and donations.

 

The second part of this phase is to install an audio-visual system with linked lighting to provide an appropriate ambiance for every event from dances, discos, parties, dinners, film shows, and seminars to any type of Church service. Significant further funding is required to add these facilities and is for the future but we intend to begin fundraising soon.

 

 

 

 

PLS 18/10/21